With the Prius, Toyota kicked off the electrified turning point, and now the hybrid par excellence, now in its fifth generation, has transformed, while remaining faithful to its DNA, and has gained the plug to offer more electric autonomy.
Already from the line it is clear that now hybrid does not mean sacrificing aesthetics in favor of efficiency, because despite being streamlined, today the Prius has a winning 4-door coupé design.
The front cuts through the air and sports sharp headlights, while behind the roof it descends and connects harmoniously to the tail.
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The surfaces are smooth, personal, and with the yellow livery of the sample under test, it seems to be in the presence of a sports car.
The rear handles embedded in the uprights are nothing new, the Alfa Romeo 156 introduced them years ago, but on today's Prius they help to make the side more streamlined.
The idea of a car capable of cutting through the air naturally is found inside thanks to the inclined windscreen and the low center of gravity also contributes.
Space is generous both front and rear, and the dashboard brings to mind the one we saw on the first electric vehicle mass-produced by the Japanese brand, the BZ4X.
In fact, in front of the driver there is the 7-inch digital instrumentation which is located higher and in an advanced position compared to the steering wheel.
On the top part of the dashboard, however, there is a 12.3-inch screen to manage an infotainment system that is up to date with the times, given that it offers OTA updates and mirroring with the smartphone.
The least convincing item is that relating to the load capacity, given that this is 284 liters with 5 seats in use, which does not lead to sacrifices in everyday life, while when traveling it leads to better management of the number and dimensions of the suitcases bring with you.
Once in gear, the Prius moves exactly as you expect, silently and with that fluidity in its pace that allows you to have the right pace to consume as little as possible.
And, in fact, when the 13.6 kWh battery is charged, in hybrid mode 0.7 liters of petrol are enough to travel 100 km;
while, when the charge runs out, on extra-urban routes, by driving carefully you can even drop below 4l/100km.
In any case, 20 km/l are always within reach.
If desired, however, the rechargeable power unit, composed of a 2-litre thermal engine coupled to an electrical compartment for a system power of 223 HP, allows you to drive even more incisively, always providing a generous power reserve, even if , in these situations, the epicyclic mechanism that simulates the transmission still has a minimum of scooter effect in terms of sound.
In the city, however, the fifth generation Prius allows you to travel in electric mode for around 70 real km, but you can almost reach 100 km if you proceed in such a way as to maximize its autonomy.
Speaking of charging, the power of 3.3 kW with alternating current, combined with the limited capacity of the battery pack, make it perfect for using the home power socket.
Finally, when it comes to driving aids, the evolution of the car has been equally clear, given that the Prius advises the driver, in case of distraction, to keep his eyes on the road, and communicates, with all types of warnings possible, possible dangers, taking the initiative by acting on the brakes and steering wheel.
Beautiful, technological and efficient, it emits just 16 g/km of CO2, the new Prius plug-in has a starting price of 42,200 euros, and benefits from eco-incentives equal to those of 100% electric cars.
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